Is two drakes one too many?

[chics in the sun]

Hi everyone. I have a pair of Rouen ducks that live happily in my aviary with chickens and pigeons. They have a filtered pond and get to free range a few times a week. I have never had trouble with this arrangement. The only time I've seen the drake 'snap' at a chicken is when his lady needs to get in the nest box. Never mind that there are two in there. If the lady wants the one that is occupied, that is the one he shall get for her. Otherwise all is harmonious.
I would love to get a pair of Black Cayauga ducks from a friend that can sell me some hatching eggs in April. Do you think I would have a problem if I tried to introduce another male duck? I know to breed them I would have to separate the pairs for a few weeks before collecting the eggs for hatching, but the rest of the time I would like them to live in the aviary with the rest of the flock. Any input would be greatly appreciated. If it would be an issue, I may just keep a couple Cayauga hens, instead of a pair.

 

[DUCKGIRL89]

Hi everyone. I have a pair of Rouen ducks that live happily in my aviary with chickens and pigeons. They have a filtered pond and get to free range a few times a week. I have never had trouble with this arrangement. The only time I've seen the drake 'snap' at a chicken is when his lady needs to get in the nest box. Never mind that there are two in there. If the lady wants the one that is occupied, that is the one he shall get for her. Otherwise all is harmonious.
I would love to get a pair of Black Cayauga ducks from a friend that can sell me some hatching eggs in April. Do you think I would have a problem if I tried to introduce another male duck? I know to breed them I would have to separate the pairs for a few weeks before collecting the eggs for hatching, but the rest of the time I would like them to live in the aviary with the rest of the flock. Any input would be greatly appreciated. If it would be an issue, I may just keep a couple Cayauga hens, instead of a pair.

I dont think it will be a problem. Should be ok as long as the hens dont get over bred. In spring you might need to seperate just so they dont hurt the hens. (drakes go in a breeding frenzy in spring) but other then spring breeding, should be ok.

 

[srpaint]

In my experience it ha a lot to do with how much room you have. My ducks free range and go in the coop at night together. So they have a lot of room. I have not had much trouble. They pick on the smaller male a little bit. But I have enough room that he can easily go his own way. So it has never turned into a problem. I would not try it if it where a smaller space.

 

[Lamar Estate]

I had to separate my Cayuga drake, Bunsen, from the chickens. He was too mean to them. I currently have a mallard pair, Tater and Tot, and a new set of Cayugas, Silas and Willow living very peacefully with the chickens (and each other).

Bunsen, and his 2 girlfriends, Beaker and Cooper, live in the duck coop. (All three of them originally lived in the chicken coop and even the girls were a little aggressive towards the chickens.)

I had to remove Bunsen and Beaker's son, Gizmo, out of the duck coop because Bunsen was very mean to him. Bunsen did not want to share his girlfriends.

I guess this doesn't answer your question, since at least in my experience, it all depends on the individual drakes.

 

[sourland]

In my experience it ha a lot to do with how much room you have. My ducks free range and go in the coop at night together. So they have a lot of room. I have not had much trouble. They pick on the smaller male a little bit. But I have enough room that he can easily go his own way. So it has never turned into a problem. I would not try it if it where a smaller space.

X 2 It would depend somewhat upon the personality of the drakes but more so upon the size of your aviary.

 

[chics in the sun]

The aviary is 16 by 23 feet, or 368 square feet. There are currently 15 chickens in there with the two ducks.